“Who would ever jump out of perfectly good airplane?” boomed over the load speaker.
Who indeed? It is a good question. Why would anyone leave the relative safety they currently enjoy to take such a risk? What goes through your mind as you stand at the open door and prepare to jump into uncertainty?
Nothing says Father’s day like an air show. There is just the right mix of sunshine and jet fuel in the air. Loud noises, highflying aerials, and beer tents. What is not to love? A place where everyone can be a kid again. We were in Hamilton with friends who are currently living in Australia. “We would love to have your come down to visit” was said in passing as Mira and I gave each other ‘the ya right’ look. But there it was, on the table. An offer to come visit Australia, and a real offer at that… not the typical ‘you should’ offers.
Mira and I glanced at each other a few more times throughout the day. It was evident the idea had definitely taken hold in both our imaginations. Lets do it… no we can’t…sure we could…no, it’s crazy…
Our minds continued to race. We both always wanted to see Australia, some day. What would be better than going with good friends? But the question remained. How would make it happen? We couldn’t do it. There were too many things to consider. Getting time off work. The 20 hour flights with a toddler. The cost. And yet, the idea festered. Neither one of us could get it out of our heads.
The more we thought about it, the more we realized just how crazy and improbable the idea was. In order to do a trip to Australia any justice we would need to spend at least a month there. And if we are already there, why not see New Zealand?!? And my brother lives in Singapore, it would be a shame to be that close and not pay him a visit… Mira has family in Europe, we should do and see them again, too.
Then there was more pragmatic stuff to consider… How would we get that time off work? What about the house? How would Hudson handle a trip this long?
We have been seriously thinking about this since that day. Standing at the open door, trying to work up the courage to jump.
On Sunday, we accepted an offer to sell our house. On Thursday, I quit my job. It has been one hell of a week. On some level it feels like we are free falling. It’s scary but exhilarating at the same time.
Karl
